Another Leading Developer of Games for Hardcore Audience Endorses Nintendo Wii U.

Epic Games, a leading designer of video-games for hardcore games as well as creator of popular rendering engines, confirmed that it is interested in making games for Nintendo Wii U game console. In case Nintendo provides Wii U software development kit to Epic on time, it might get a hardcore game (like Gears of War, for example) for its forthcoming console by the launch in late 2012.

“We haven't made an official announcement about that platform. And while we loved the Wii, it just wasn't a fit to make a game that would go across Xbox 360, PS3 and the Wii. It just wasn't possible. So going forward, we are working with those folks and we are very interested in the Wii U," said Mike Capps, the president of Epic Games, in an interview with IndustryGamers web-site.

Nintendo has given a clear sign that it does want successful third-party games on its Wii U platform. In addition, the company has indicated that it wants hardcore games on its platform, not just casual or novice games as in the case of Wii.

Unfortunately for Nintendo, it does not seem that it has already started to supply software development kits for Nintendo Wii U to all game developers.

"We find that the best way to support a platform is to be making a game for it and we don't currently have a game in development for that platform. [...] As a game developer who's selling an engine, I want to make sure that I can ship a game on it myself, which is why we have very clear public support of PS3, Xbox 360, PC and iPhone but not as clear when it comes to Android or Wii U," said Mr. Capps.

Still, it looks like Epic already has some experience with Wii U as it helped to set up a demo for the official announcement of the console at the E3 trade-show.

"At the launch event at E3, some of the products that you saw running on Wii U were based on Unreal Engine technology. So that kind of gives you an idea of where we are in that space. You can certainly use our engine on that platform – it's a natural fit from a technology perspective," Mr. Capps added.

Nintendo Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics and generally performance demanding games that can run on consoles like Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3. The system itself is based on a custom IBM Power microprocessor as well as a modern ATI Radeon HD graphics chip with high-definition graphics and video support. But the main feature of the code-named Cafe game console is its unique controller with 6.2" touch-screen that also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers that can be used to play both classic Gamecube/Wii games as well as specially designed titles that take advantage of the screen. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. Nintendo Wii U will cost more than $249.